Fitness Mom

I am not talking about me  but I am talking about the Asian woman, Maria Kang,  who posted a photo of her and her three kids on Facebook that says "What is your Excuse?"  Have you seen it?  They are all over the internet as well as it stirred up controversy.  Some got inspired and some got insulted too.  For me, it is very inspiring because she has three kids and she still managed to have a great looking bod!  The first photo  is the one she posted  in Facebook.

Maria Kang is  half Chinese and half Filipino (if I am not mistaken).  She is a business owner, a non-profit founder, creator of the "Belly Ball" and now known as the Fitness Mom or the  the "No Excuse Mom".  For me, she speaks the reality.  Being a Mom is no excuse not to be physically  fit,  unless of course,  you have a medical condition that is preventing you to do things physically for fitness.  Everyone has each own opinion and you really can't please everybody.  So even if her intention was not bad, some people might have interpreted it the wrong way.  

Anyway, onto another topic, it's time for me to take Maria Kang's challenge to all Moms out there lol. I would love to thank   empower Fitness for sending me this Fusion Fintness Disc, a new addition to my fitness tools at home.  Just like Maria Kang,  Empower Fitness also encourages  women to be active, be healthy, and be strong.  I  admire this company and other companies that do support Moms like me to be the best we could be by  providing us the tools that we need to be physically fit.

Sometime in  October, I participated in a survey about a  video that empower sent me  via email.  I tried doing the  10-minute Victoria's Secret Models workout and then I participated in a survey of how my experience was.   I was  surprised when they sent me an email last month saying that they are going to send me a  Fusion Fitness Disc as a Thank you for participating in the survey.

The video above  is a good one to do everyday, you can try it too.  The Fitness Fusion Disc that they sent comes with a  DVD that I can watch on the different kinds of  exercise you can do about this   7 lbs disk.  There are 10 different  work out routines that you can do with this fusion disc which includes: 

1. sumo squats
2. upward rows
3. traveling push ups
4. alternating twist lounges
5. overhead triceps press (which is what I was doing in the photos below), 
6. jumping jacks
7. alternating arm swing
8. side lunges
9. squat with one arm overhead press
10. burpees

I have been doing my workouts in our living room because it is called  at our mini gym at the basement.  I don't want to  turn on our portable electric heater because it dries out my nose.  I can say that this fusion disc is a true full body workout which provide an invigorating muscle conditioning, cardio and core workout.

To find out more about the  work out routines I have mentioned above, please  watch the video below.

Thank you so much once again empower!

Disclaimer:  The author of this blog  did NOT receive monetary compensation in writing this review.  Product mentioned was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes. Opinions expressed  is not influenced in any way.

Turbulent Years of Adolescence

It's normal for your teenager to start testing their boundaries and declaring their independence from family activities, but church is one area where you don't want to give any ground. Spirituality should be nurtured throughout one's entire life, especially the turbulent years of adolescence.

If you're currently struggling with a teen who just doesn't seem interested in God anymore, here are seven tips for steering them back on track and into the light of the Lord.

1: Look Into Youth Groups

Most churches have some kind of youth program where your teen can read, worship and socialize with other people their own age, a much more welcoming environment than pews of silent spectators all old enough to be their parents. If a youth group doesn't already exist at your church, encourage your child to spearhead one.

2: Start A Project

A lot of teens grow frustrated with Sunday sermons because they "don't see the point" or "could be doing other things with their time." By starting some kind of community project, like a clean-up, soup drive or outreach program, you'll give them a sense of purpose, something that makes church worth the trip. They'll have a goal to focus on and a cause they can look forward to furthering every week.

3: Find Hip Pastors

It may not be the preaching they object to, just the delivery system. An older pastor might be seen as uncool or out of touch with contemporary teen culture. Look for a fun, understanding spiritual leader who can really connect with a younger audience and find them back into the fold, like the Creative Pastors Ed Young.

4: Embrace New Media

Just because they outgrew picture books of David and Goliath doesn't mean they're ready for the full and heavy text of scripture. Buy a "common English" Bible so your child can fully understand the words, warnings and messages of God. Arrange for Bible studies with friends and other members of the church.

5: Encourage Involvement

Get your teen re-interested in church by letting them come up with their own unique ways to contribute. For example, you might not have thought of remixing a Lady Gaga song with traditional Christian hymns, but it might be a really fun project for the youth choir.

6: Answer Questions

Teens are quick to point out any flaws or perceived weaknesses in your faith, which is why you'll so often find yourself at the end of pointed questions like "Isn't it sexist that Eve was blamed more than Adam?" and "Why is there suffering in the world if God is so great?" Instead of taking these questions as an attack, think of them of signs of intelligence and critical thinking, and answer them to the best of your ability. If you don't have an answer, admit that it's a thought-provoking inquiry and that you'll have to pose it to the minister next Sunday.

7: Ask For Help

If all else fails, simply ask your teen what you can do to make their church experience a better one. You might be surprised by the answer you get back! Regular dialogue can become a great tool in understanding your child's mindset and guiding them back to God's path, so keep an open channel of communication for their questions, opinions and concerns.

Bootights, Legwear, Liberated

I have never   own a  pair of boots until I came here in the US.  We don't really need to wear boots  from the  country where I came from because its tropics and the  weather there is  always  hot or warm.  Boots   can be really uncomfortable if you wear it without proper legwear.  Thankfully, somebody came up with a brilliant idea of  combining  tights and socks in one.

The fabulous Ms.  Shelby Mason designed  a smooth and sleek fit of a trouser sock with a comfort of a performance ankle sock to create an  ultimate and stylish bootsock.  I am blessed  to received 

 one Bootights Sport and one Darby knee hi socks.   Thank you Ms. Shelby Mason for these fabulous  legwear.
First up is the Luxe Microfiber Tight, this cost  $38.   This super soft luxe opaque microfiber tight will totally pamper your feet  with pure luxury  and comfort.  What I like about it is that it keeps your feet cool and dry.  As I have mentioned, I was born and raised from a tropical country so you can just imagine how I feel during Winter season, my dogs are always cold.  
I love that it has an arch  support that hugs feet for a contoured fit.  It also has an extra cushion in  the toe and heel.  Your feet won't feel tight  because it has a flat toe seam.

Below is the set of Darby's Tabu Cheetah,  a fitted fashion knee high and performance ankle sock in one. You can buy this for $25, this is also available in charcoal, sand, and chocolate colors.   Just like the bootights above, this one is also very comfortable to wear.  Unlike any other  knee-hi socks, this one does not slips.

I know that this bootights is  exclusively designed for boots but I wore my  clogs just to show you the   bottom part.  All of these by the way are made in the US so high quality is guaranteed!

Flirty, fitted, and functional that's what  Bootights and Darby's knee-hi socks are.  You can choose from a variety of fun colors and patterns, just visit the website or you can get in touch with  Shelby Mason's  team by following and liking them via Facebook,  Twitter,  Pinterest, and  Instagram.  Thank you so much for  sending me  these awesome legwear!

Disclaimer:  The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review.  Opinions   expressed is  not in anyway influenced by other factors.  The product/s   mentioned above was provided for FREE  for evaluation purposes.

Healthy Back

In today’s competitive work environment, working eight hours a day isn’t enough. Most people feel the need to go a few extra hours making the work day 10 to 12 hours a day. It is no surprise that most of us live sedentary lives. Years ago, most work required us to move around the office or warehouse. However, as time has passed, most of us are finding that we can do our jobs sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The human body isn’t designed to sit in one position for a long time, and many people end up with injuries due to sitting too long because they don’t have adequate back and neck support. Consequently, ergonomic chairs, like the ones sold at HealthyBack.com, have become a popular choice of seating while working in the office. 

The study of ergonomics involves designing equipment and devices to fit the human body and accommodate the way the body moves. Today, ergonomics is an important design consideration in the office. Just as one focuses on the fabric and color of a chair, we should also pay a lot of attention to how comfortable a chair is when we have to sit in it for hours. If you are the person in charge of buying the office furniture for your employees, you should keep in mind that your team members will be working in the chairs you choose many hours a day. Studies have shown how ergonomic chairs increase office productivity. A chair that isn’t designed well can cause neck and back pain as well as many other medical problems. 

Without adequate lumbar support, you stand the chance of having a recurring strain injury. This type of injury has an adverse impact on your day-to-day living, and it can last for years. Today, ergonomic chairs are made to give a person the best possible support, and they are designed for users who spend hours a day sitting in them. Ergonomic chairs will keep you more comfortable, and they are adjustable so you can set them up to fit your specific needs. Most ergonomic chairs can be tilted forward or backward, lowered or raised for maximum comfort. 

To remain free of back pain and stay strong all your life, be sure you are using an ergonomic chair when sitting for hours. 

Anatomie, Experience the Italian Elegance

Trying different kinds of clothing style is so much fun.  Let us  try some Italian fashion this time.  Anatomie sent me two products to review and I am very delighted.  First of all, I love their live virtual model because you get to see what the clothing looks like when it is worn. 

First up is this very unique Shelley Long Sweater style top with hood and asymmetrical zipper. I won't be able to afford one of this because this cost $215, thank goodness for their product review program, I am able to experience the true Italian elegance. As you all know, I am a shorty so if a top's length is  longer than normal, I could wear it like a dress.

I tried wearing it like a dress and accessorized it with a belt and of course my favorite Swedish clogs.  See the benefits of being short?  Lol.  I kind of like wearing it as a dress and not as a sweater.

I wore the sweater with pants below.   I tried to wear in two different ways, first is to hide the black bottom so  it is not very long and then as you can see on the rest of the photos,  it is long when the bottom part is  down.

I like that the  hood  is  big because it covers my whole head plus more.  The asymmetrical zipper is what drawn me to this style.

The Cargo Capri Pants in black below cost $149.  I love the adjustable waistband  on each sides because I get to adjust it to my size.  Both of these products are size extra small but they are still  bigger for my size.  Fortunately, there is a way to adjust it.  I like the versatility of this  cargo capri pants, you can wear it with just about  any style of top.  This would be great  during summer time but for now, I will be enjoying it  inside the house.

I love the material as it is lightweight, protective and  resistant.  It is designed for quick drying and   maximum comfort.  Being forty does not mean  that you  need to  hide in a baggy pants or Mom jeans, you can still  be hip and fabulous right?  Well, at least I feel fab even though I don't look like one hahaha.  

Do you want to be updated with  true Italian  style fashion?  Follow Anatomie  via Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter and never missed their  deals and  fashion trends.  Thanks Anatomie!

Disclaimer:  The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review.  Opinions  being expressed is  not in anyway influenced by other factors.  The product/s   mentioned above was provided for FREE  for evaluation purposes.